Meet The Team
DR. GORDON DOBIE, PPS UK Director
Dr. Dobie leads the Research and Development team and oversees European operations from PPS’s UK office in Glasgow. With a PhD in robotics and signal processing from the University of Strathclyde, he has extensive expertise in tactile sensing, automation, ultrasonic systems, and non-destructive evaluation (NDE). His work focuses on solving complex challenges through innovative sensor technologies and their practical application across diverse industries.
As a recipient of the prestigious Royal Society of Edinburgh Enterprise Fellowship, Dr. Dobie gained significant experience in the commercialization of novel technologies, which has become a cornerstone of his career. He has successfully led multipartner R&D projects in robotics, medical devices, and wearable technology, ensuring that cutting-edge solutions meet both technical and market demands.
Dr. Dobie also directs a joint research program between PPS and the University of Strathclyde, advancing tactile sensing technologies for applications in robotics, healthcare, and performance gear. His academic contributions include an extensive portfolio of published research papers and patents, reflecting his commitment to innovation.
His expertise in sensor design, signal processing, and technology commercialization ensures PPS delivers high-precision solutions, maintaining its position as a global leader in tactile sensing.
DR. CHARLES MACLEOD, Head of Sales & Business Relations
Dr. Charles MacLeod leads Sales and Business Development for PPS, serving as the company’s primary sales expert and a trusted partner to clients worldwide, including Fortune 500 companies. With an MEng and PhD from the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Dr. MacLeod combines extensive technical expertise in sensing, robotics, and electronics with exceptional commercial acumen to drive PPS’s growth on a global scale.
Throughout his career, Dr. MacLeod has spearheaded numerous high-profile projects across the Technology Readiness Levels, translating advanced research into practical, industry-ready solutions. His experience in bridging technical innovation with real-world application makes him a key contributor to PPS’s success in delivering tailored tactile sensing technologies for industries such as robotics, manufacturing, and medical devices.
As the global sales lead, Dr. MacLeod is responsible for building and maintaining strong relationships with PPS’s diverse client base. His customer-focused approach ensures PPS continues to meet the evolving needs of top-tier organizations, delivering innovative and reliable solutions that address their most complex challenges.
With his unique blend of technical expertise and strategic sales leadership, Dr. MacLeod plays a critical role in strengthening PPS’s position as a global leader in tactile sensing technology.
DR. JAE SON, Founder and Sensor Advisor
Dr. Jae Son has pioneered advancements in tactile sensing technology through academic research and entrepreneurial innovation. After earning his Ph.D. from Harvard University in 1996, where he focused on enhancing robotic dexterity via tactile sensing, Dr. Son founded Pressure Profile Systems (PPS) in 1996. Under his leadership, PPS has become a global leader in capacitive tactile sensing, delivering advanced solutions for industries including medical devices, robotics, consumer electronics, and wearables.
Dr. Son spearheaded the development of groundbreaking medical devices, including the ManoScan system, a catheter with 36 sensors that provides high-resolution esophageal function data, revolutionising diagnostics. Now sold by Medtronic, this innovation has transformed patient care. He also developed the SureTouch (Bexa) Breast Exam, a non-invasive, radiation-free device that uses tactile sensing to detect breast lesions, offering safer and more effective breast exams for women, particularly younger patients.
As Founder & Sensor Advisor of PPS, Dr. Son continues to lead innovation, helping Fortune 500 companies and global brands create wearable devices, robotic systems, and other products that improve precision and user experience. His passion for translating tactile sensing technologies into impactful solutions drives PPS’s mission to deliver world-class sensing systems that empower industries to achieve greater accuracy and functionality.